Trip Planning Checklist

There’s a lot of summer travel about to happen for military families! Some of us are moving due to military relocation while the lucky among us are headed out on our family’s next great vacation adventure. Maybe you’re doing both!

Whether you’re road-tripping, RVing, backpacking or taking multiple boats and international flights to reach your destination, you all have one thing in common: You need a plan!

A great deal of the fun in travel can involve the unknown and the ability to be spontaneous, but having a rough idea of how you want to spend your time, money, free time and more is still a good idea. It will prevent disputes in your travel group, keep you on track, on budget and, in general, a little structure can be incredibly freeing.

So, before you hit the road, plan to the extent your personal travel style allows, but don’t forget these important elements.

Trip Planning Checklist

Plan a Budget

Vacations can be so exciting, that it’s easy to get wrapped up in the moment… one too many times! Don’t blow the bank over a trip. Your future needs and grocery budget will thank you. Budget wisely and leave a little wiggle room for surprises.

Plan a Route

Whether you’re going international or you’re exploring areas of the USA, chances are there is someone who has been there before you and can give you tips on what to see and what to skip. Plan your route and have more fun! Add in small towns, national parks, amusement parks and more.

Include Everyone’s Ideas

Want to avoid a family-wide quarrel? Ask everyone ahead of time what their top choices are. If everyone compromises, everyone will have more fun. Work it out ahead of time and skip the drama.

How will you be eating?

Don’t forget to budget food! And have a rough idea of how and what you’ll be eating. Are you on a hamburger and fries, peanut butter and jelly in the car or upscale dining budget? Maybe it’s a mixture? Just don’t let it sneak up on you.